This Christmas season presents three exciting films for French audiences: “Les Boules de Noël,” filled with humor about a family’s chaotic holiday; “Un Noël en famille,” which explores family dynamics and traditions; and “Les Cadeaux,” focusing on the ups and downs of gift-giving. Each film offers a unique perspective on the holiday spirit, promising laughter and reflections on family ties, making them must-see options throughout the festive period.
Three Exciting Christmas Films This Year
This year is a remarkable one for Christmas cinema, as Vladimir Kokh, the head of KMBO, puts it succinctly: “Some years, there are no Christmas comedies, but this year, there are three!” In just a month, French audiences will be treated to a trio of festive films: Les Boules de Noël, premiering today, November 27, Un Noël en famille, debuting on December 16, and Les Cadeaux, arriving on December 25.
According to Kokh, the challenge of scheduling Christmas films is evident: “The downside of Christmas films is that there aren’t 50 dates to fit them in. Even if we coordinated among ourselves, the big studios are constrained by their big films.” This situation raises an interesting question for viewers: how to distinguish between these three offerings, particularly since two feature the talented actress Noémie Lvovsky?
Film Highlights to Consider
Les Boules de Noël: This film serves up a hearty dose of silly humor. The plot revolves around Nathalie and Antonin’s family, whose Christmas Eve has transformed into an annual disaster. Convinced of a family curse, Nathalie decides to skip the celebrations entirely. However, Antonin and the kids take matters into their own hands by inviting Nathalie’s long-lost sister, Nicole. Will this year break the cycle of chaos?
With a star-studded cast including Valérie Bonneton, Kad Merad, and Noémie Lvovsky, Les Boules de Noël delivers sharp humor and absurd situations. While it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to some edgy jokes, adults are likely to enjoy a good laugh.
Un Noël en famille: This film takes a more heartwarming approach. Carole, the mayor of a quaint town, is deeply engaged in organizing the community’s Christmas festivities, while her supportive husband Alain prepares the dinner. However, once the children arrive, their visions of a peaceful holiday are shattered as family traditions collide.
Featuring Didier Bourdon and Noémie Lvovsky, this film explores the generational divides in a humorous light, addressing themes like family tensions, veganism, and outdated customs. It’s the most family-centric of the trio, with potential to either strengthen family bonds or stir up old conflicts.
Les Cadeaux: The excitement of gift-giving is the focus here. Just two days before Christmas, the Stain family is buzzing with ideas, though not all of them are great. The question looms: could the worst gift be yet to come?
If you often find yourself let down by holiday gifts, or feel uneasy during family gatherings, Les Cadeaux will certainly resonate with your experiences. This film leans more towards a sharp family comedy than a traditional holiday movie, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Mélanie Doutey, Gérard Darmon, and Chantal Lauby, among others. It’s set to hit theaters on December 25, making it the perfect choice for a post-Christmas reflection on gift-giving.
In summary, this Christmas season, make sure to catch these three unique films, each offering a different take on the holiday spirit!